The news of 'Suriya 44' toplining Suriya and directed by Karthik Subbaraj did come as a surprise to many, indeed. Previously, we expected Sudha Kongara to direct a film under the banner of 2D Entertainment and Suriya Productions, which the director has yet to name,
joining a group that already included Vetrimaran and Ravikumar.

Karthik Subbaraj's involvement as the film's director was a surprising revelation. Speculation hinted that his involvement had come as a result of the success of "Jigarthanda Double X," but both parties since then have rubbished the claim. In a report now, it was
said that Subbaraj had pitched the story to Suriya online a few years ago, and after some script work, the project was finally announced.

Quite interestingly, Subbaraj's film was announced at a time when Kongara's 'Purananooru' was said to be delayed.